07-02-2011, 08:35 AM
Well, if you decide to go with another L-5, Amazon has them for $115 with free super saver shipping. From what I can see online, the L-5 is more of a "occasional use" heater/shower than a full-time warhorse -- they recommend it for camping, cabins, etc. It works great as our outdoor shower option, but I'm guessing I wouldn't be as happy with it if I lived down by the salt spray or used it more frequently than "every once in a while...".
We have a Rinnai LS series outdoor mounted tank-less water heater at our vacation rental cottage, and it has worked flawlessly for the past year, but it cost closer to $1,000, so there is a trade off. Also, it might be subject to the same corrosion issues down by the ocean.
If you were happy with the L5, I might be inclined to just buy a new one and swap it out rather than go to the expense of hiring a plumber to install something else.
We have a Rinnai LS series outdoor mounted tank-less water heater at our vacation rental cottage, and it has worked flawlessly for the past year, but it cost closer to $1,000, so there is a trade off. Also, it might be subject to the same corrosion issues down by the ocean.
If you were happy with the L5, I might be inclined to just buy a new one and swap it out rather than go to the expense of hiring a plumber to install something else.